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Tomato Paste Substitutes

Sauces

Concentrated tomatoes cooked down to a thick paste. Adds deep tomato flavor and body to sauces.

4 listed substitutes

First listed swap: Tomato Sauce (reduced)

First listed Tomato Paste substitute option: Tomato Sauce (reduced)

In the current curated data, Tomato Sauce (reduced) is listed first at Reduce 3 tbsp sauce to get 1 tbsp paste. Its listed uses include any tomato paste application. Compare the notes below before using it in when in a hurry, Italian sauces, recipes needing pure tomato and convenience.

How to choose a Tomato Paste swap

Tomato Sauce (reduced)

Ratio: Reduce 3 tbsp sauce to get 1 tbsp paste

Listed for any tomato paste application. Avoid for when in a hurry.

Ketchup

Ratio: 1 tbsp ketchup per 1 tbsp paste

Listed for stews, chili and meatloaf. Avoid for Italian sauces and recipes needing pure tomato.

Canned Tomatoes (drained and blended)

Ratio: Blend and reduce 1/2 cup to get 2 tbsp

Listed for sauces, soups and stews. Avoid for convenience.

Tomato Paste substitute ratios and notes

Tomato Sauce (reduced)

Reduce 3 tbsp sauce to get 1 tbsp paste

Simmer tomato sauce until very thick. Takes 10-15 min.

✅Listed for: any tomato paste application

⚠️Not for: when in a hurry

vegan

Ketchup

1 tbsp ketchup per 1 tbsp paste

Sweeter and thinner. Adds sugar and vinegar. Works in a pinch.

✅Listed for: stews, chili, meatloaf

⚠️Not for: Italian sauces, recipes needing pure tomato

Canned Tomatoes (drained and blended)

Blend and reduce 1/2 cup to get 2 tbsp

Blend until smooth, simmer to thicken. More work but good flavor.

✅Listed for: sauces, soups, stews

⚠️Not for: convenience

vegan

Sun-Dried Tomato Paste

1:1

Deeper, sweeter, more complex flavor. Slightly different but delicious.

✅Listed for: pasta sauces, bruschetta, marinades

⚠️Not for: recipes needing neutral tomato

vegan

Tomato Paste substitute FAQs

Which Tomato Paste substitute is listed first?

Tomato Sauce (reduced) is the first listed Tomato Paste substitute in SwapChef's curated data. The listed ratio is Reduce 3 tbsp sauce to get 1 tbsp paste.

Can I use Tomato Sauce (reduced) instead of Tomato Paste?

The curated notes list Tomato Sauce (reduced) for any tomato paste application. Simmer tomato sauce until very thick. Takes 10-15 min.

What is another Tomato Paste substitute?

Ketchup is another listed option at 1 tbsp ketchup per 1 tbsp paste. The data lists it for stews, chili and meatloaf.

What cautions are listed for Tomato Paste substitutes?

The curated cautions mention when in a hurry. Check each substitute's “not for” notes before using it in baking, sauces, or allergy-sensitive recipes.